1326. The scientist with a logical and plausible hypothesis is exactly
that: until the theory has been validated by predictive success -- his forecasts
are no more credible than those of a medium, a witch doctor, or a fortune
teller.

1158. Climate alarmism echoes the familiar narrative of religion: because
of original sin -- selfishness -- there is a terrible threat of death and
destruction; but salvation may be obtained -- by a degree of communal restraint
and appropriate human sacrifice.

985. A theory is not validated by "scientific consensus" -- but by
consistent predictive success.

840. A superstition is a popular belief in a causal link which does not,
in fact, exist. The belief that mankind is the chief influence on global
temperatures is a modern example.

839. A scientific theory about the interactions of things -- how the world
actually works -- can only be validated by facts which are in accord with a
predicted outcome. The validation may come from a short term experiment, or from
a long term unfolding of events. Those studying climate have been unable
to make accurate predictions; this shows that their theories do not describe the
interactions of things, and must be revised.

837. As much as power corrupts -- it also seems to blind. (The
political class seems enamoured of the idea of anthropogenic global warming --
despite failed predictions, and the fact that the behaviour of alarmists is
indistinguishable
from that of the purveyors of snake oil.)

831. If it claims to be science, but looks, swims, and quacks like
religion  its obviously a religious duck wearing a lab coat.

757. When someone says, "The science is settled" -- you know they are
talking about religion.

743. Every totalitarian  whether dictator, socialist, climate alarmist,
religious leader, or upholder of political correctness  is an idealist: he
attempts to make humanity fit  through force or persuasion -- the Procrustean
bed of an ideal, conceptual world. The concept is always at odds with the facts
or with the realities of the human condition, and is ultimately unattainable or
unsustainable

742. Real science: an understanding of how things actually
work is revealed by consistent predictive success. Climate "science:" no
evidence of consistent predictive success.

658. It doesn't matter whether you are a fortune teller, a certified
genius, or a highly-regarded scientist with peer-reviewed scientific papers
emanating from every orifice: a failed prediction shows you don't know what you
are talking about.

655. The despotic impulse is a human constant. It often appears cloaked as
virtue -- protecting the sanctity of religion, the fragility of feelings, or the
ideal of equality. It even pretends to a saving of the planet.

570. Facts require no special protection; it is only some beliefs that
claim criticism is unfair and illegitimate.

514. Climate alarmism benefits greatly from the human susceptibility 
doubtless an instinctive one  to religious belief  an element of tribal
culture in which the need for factual evidence is overwhelmed by the perceived
advantages of enthusiastic participation. The existential threats presented are
of death and extinction. The accusation of human responsibility  sin  preys
upon that reservoir of guilt consistent with and attendant upon an awareness of
inherent human frailty. The glories of salvation are offered in exchange for
human sacrifice. It would appear that only a drastic decline in global
temperatures is likely to result in apostasy on any significant scale.

491. Surely there can be no statement more antithetical, more
hostile, or more blind to the essence and spirit of scientific enquiry than:
"The science is settled."

436. The persistence of religious beliefs suggests that men
need myths to live by. The weakness of any myth is that it is not true, but, to
be taken seriously, must pretend to be. Great assurance in the pretence inspires
confidence in the believers -- but concomitantly fuels the fires of contemptuous
piety, and provides holy sanction for the oppression of others.

(It may be observed that this applies to belief in catastrophic
anthropogenic climate change, as well as to other, more conventional, myths.)

431. The causes of climate change are imperfectly understood,
and inadequately delineated; climate alarmists have decided that leaping should
precede looking.

373. Climate alarmism: When prediction in the face of reason
flies --
Then "science" yields to politics, and lies.

341. Climate change alarmism: it's always a pity when science
enrolls in the seminary of ideology, and emerges with holy orders.

176. Be hesitant in accepting the claims of those who speak in the name of
science; one must determine first whether that science is indeed the master, or
merely the tool of self-interest, self- aggrandisement, or political agenda.

175. Scientists have not yet discovered the inoculation against
hubris, or the effective incantation against self-interest; nor are they immune
from the contamination of an ill-considered enthusiasm for a cause.

55. An idea does not have to be valid to be respectable; all that is
required is a sufficiency of fools.

14. The belief that global warming is entirely the result of human activity
betrays an extraordinary arrogance; Mars is also warming, without the benefit of
an atmosphere, greenhouse gasses, or Cadillac Escalades.